Today’s Outdoor Picture of the Day captures a fleeting moment of magic in Boulder—a stunning Rufous Hummingbird perched with its vibrant orange-red feathers gleaming in the spring sunlight. Set against the backdrop of the Flatirons and spring blossoms, this hummingbird is more than just a visual wonder—it’s a sign that spring migration is in full swing.
The Rufous Hummingbird is one of the most striking and feisty visitors to Boulder’s backyards and open spaces. Known for its brilliant coppery plumage and aggressive territorial behavior, the Rufous is a tiny bird with a big personality. These hummingbirds travel up to 4,000 miles during their migration from Mexico to as far north as Alaska, making them one of the longest-migrating birds relative to size in the world.
Boulder offers an ideal resting and feeding stop for these aerial acrobats. You can often find them zipping around local gardens, open meadows, and even along Boulder Creek and foothill trails. Their favorite fuel? Nectar—both from flowers and well-maintained feeders…